Synonyms:
| acquit, | exculpate, | forgive, | pardon, |
| clear, | exempt, | free, | release, |
| discharge, | exonerate, | liberate, | set free. |
To absolve, in the strict sense, is to set free from any bond. One may be absolved from a promise by a breach of faith on the part of one to whom the promise was made. To absolve from sins is formally to remit their condemnation and penalty, regarded as a bond upon the soul. "Almighty God ... pardoneth and absolveth all those who truly repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel." Book of Common Prayer, Declar. of Absol. To acquit of sin or crime is to free from the accusation of it, pronouncing one guiltless; the innocent are rightfully acquitted; the guilty may be mercifully absolved. Compare [PARDON].
Antonyms:
| accuse, | charge, | condemn, | impeach, | obligate, |
| bind, | compel, | convict, | inculpate, | oblige. |
Preposition:
One is absolved from (rarely of) a promise, a sin, etc.